Lefko's CFL power rankings: Week 6 - sportsnet.ca

Previous Power Rankings

TW	LW	Team	Our Take
1	2		On a three-game win streak and doing it with, yes, swagger. The Bombers’ rose to the challenge against the unbeaten Edmonton and laid an absolute licking on the previously-undefeated Eskimos, forcing them into five turnovers. Playing without standout defensive tackle Doug Brown, who was sidelined with a foot injury, the defence didn’t let up. The offence, under the direction of quarterback Buck Pierce, totally overwhelmed the Eskimo defence. What may not be appreciated but which should be is the inspired play and hustle of the special teams. Whether it’s setting up a return or trying to stop the opposition return, the players are going full tilt.
2	1		The Eskimos’ domination was starting to diminish from week to week, but the football Gods were with them and quarterback Ricky Ray looked much like he did earlier in his career. But the Eskimos crumbled against the will and mite of the Bombers, shutting down Fred Stamps, although it was revealed the day after the game that he required emergency abdominal surgery. The question now is: have the tendencies of the new-look Eskimos, who really were the surprise team of the West, started to become more obvious to the opposition, or was the loss against Winnipeg simply one team physically manhandling the other? Playing on a short week and this time facing the Als in Montreal on Thursday and with mounting injuries, the Eskimos are now facing early adversity.
3	4		The Stamps’ 32-20 dominant victory over Hamilton showcased the improved offence and a strong defence. Quarterback Henry Burris had his second most-productive game of the season. His completion percentage has gone up the last three games and his turnovers have gone down. And Burris had to make do against Hamilton with a patchwork receiving corps, although Nik Lewis really stepped up his performance with his energy and physical play. Running backs Joffrey Reynolds and Jon Cornish combined for 151 on 20 touches. While the defence didn’t record any sacks, it really neutralized the Tiger-Cats’ offence in the second half. The Stamps may be poised to really make a move towards challenging Edmonton for first.
4	3		Ticats’ three-game win streak came to an emphatic halt losing to Calgary after leading 20-13 at the half. The offence came to a standstill in the second half. Quarterback Kevin Glenn looked uncomfortable and frustrated instead of relaxed and confident during the team’s winning streak. Ticats’ defensive co-ordinator Corey Chamblin, who worked in Calgary as its secondary coach, couldn’t match the strategy of Stamps’ offensive co-ordinator Dave Dickenson. The Stamps started throwing simple dump-off passes in space to the backs, neutralizing the Cats’ speed and pass rush.
5	5		There had been some questions about the Als because they lost two in a row, but quarterback Anthony Calvillo came out firing against Toronto and eventually Montreal’s overall talent proved too much for Toronto for the second time this season. When the Als are running the ball with authority, it creates a dimension that is scary. The only problem with the Als – and it has been an issue for some time – is the defence is giving up too many big plays, either simply because the front seven isn’t creating more pressure and/or the secondary is vulnerable in man-to-man.
6	7		The losing streak is five straight now and again it’s another case of some questionable decisions by the coaching staff and the players. Running back Chad Kackert had a brain cramp opting to run the ball for glory instead of running out of bounds, preventing Toronto from a field-goal opportunity. He should have known better or should have been coached better on the play. General Manager/head coach Jim Barker fired defensive co-ordinator Chip Garber after losing to Montreal, although some people felt the offensive co-ordinator should have been axed. The defence can only do so much when the offence isn’t doing its job. That said, embattled quarterback Cleo Lemon didn’t play too badly and is showing some signs of improvement.
7	8		Yes, the Lions finally won a game this year – and at home, too – but this was one they almost tried to give away to Saskatchewan, which simply squandered opportunities. One thing became apparent in the win: receiver Geroy Simon is the undisputed leader of the team. He singlehandedly took control of the game with one of the best efforts of his career. If the rest of the team can feed off of his emotion, desire, intensity and attitude, perhaps the Lions can make some incremental steps upward in the standings.
8	6		The team continues to struggle, making mental or physical. mistakes and just isn’t getting the breaks. Against B.C., the Riders were flagged on a questionable offensive pass interference call against receiver Chris Getzlaf, who is really fighting with consistency. While there seems an obvious need to let quarterback Darian Durant run with the ball to create yardage and throw off the defence, he is still standing way too much in the pocket and intent on going for the long ball. Wonder how much Durant and the entire team miss the calming presence of Coach Ken Miller, who has moved up to head of football operations? The loss of key receivers has made a huge difference – as many thought it would.

latest CFL news

headlines